Ohio State’s former four-star QB predicted to enter portal with Alabama transfer favored to start | Sporting News

The defending national champions of college football are going to look a lot different next season.

Ohio State is set to lose several star players from its multi-million dollar-assembled roster, including quarterback Will Howard, who is entering the 2025 NFL Draft.

Howard became an integral piece of the Buckeyes last season after transferring from Kansas State.

He really shined once the College Football Playoff began, as his experience came into play.

Howard played a total of 34 collegiate games.

The next Ohio State quarterback wont have that level of experience not even close.

As of now, the battle to take over the reins as Ohio States starting quarterback is between Alabama transfer Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz, and true freshman Tavien St.

Clair.

Air Noland was supposed to be in the mix as well, but he transferred to South Carolina during the winter transfer portal window.

That leaves the Buckeyes with just nine game appearances, 195 yards, and one touchdown worth of experience heading into the 2025 season.

Sayin is the current favorite to win the starting job.

He was the No.

1 overall quarterback in the 2024 cycle, originally committing to Alabama before transferring after Nick Saban retired.

Its doubtful that St.

Clair wins the job, though he might see valuable reps while preparing to be the Buckeyes future starter.

That leaves Kienholz in an awkward position.

A 2023 signee, Kienholz has seen little playing time and was largely forgotten last season as the fourth-stringer.

Thats why The Athletics Antonio Morales believes he could be looking to transfer once the spring portal opens on April 16.

He was the Buckeyes No.

4 QB in 2024 and didnt attempt a pass, whereas Sayin, who was in his first year with the program, attempted 12, Morales wrote.

Morales also referenced Kienholzs comments after Ohio States Rose Bowl win over Oregon, where he told the media that entering the portal might be an option this spring .

If this spring doesnt work out for me, Kienholz said, according to USA Todays Joey Kaufman, I might have to go somewhere else, but thats not really what Im thinking about.

Fox Sports ' R.J.

Young also believes Kienholz could be headed to the portal in April .

"There are places for him to go to show out," Young said.

"I dont know that Ohio State is going to be that place.

Kienholz, a former four-star recruit, was ranked as the No.

11 overall quarterback in the class of 2023 , according to 247Sports .

With his dual-threat abilities and past recruitment interest, should he decide to enter the portal, hell likely find a new school fairly easily.

As loaded as Ohio States quarterback room continues to be, it wouldnt be surprising if he decides to transfer..

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